The physical limits of buses and trains in terms of capacity

Abstract

This paper investigates the physical limits of buses and trains in terms of capacity. In section 2, the methodological background is laid down. Two different approaches are adopted, the one for transport system requiring advanced signaling and the other for transport systems being able to run on sight. In both cases, one needs to differentiate between the line capacity and the station capacity. In section 3, a parameter study is conducted to explore the influence of different parameters and evaluate the physical limits, which still allow for stable operation. The parameter study is conducted for both trains and buses. Section 4 analyzes the effect of stations with multiple platforms. It can be shown that the line capacities of both trains and buses are in a similar order of magnitude. When considering the station capacity, the train outperforms the bus. The dwell time and thus by extension the design of vehicle plays a crucial role for capacity.